A governorship aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Raymond Edoh, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Benue State, unveiling a broad policy agenda centred on security, agriculture, and economic transformation.
Edoh made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, where he described his candidacy as a response to what he called years of unfulfilled promises and underperformance in the state. He said Benue, widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” remains burdened by persistent insecurity, weak infrastructure, underdeveloped agricultural systems, and limited access to quality healthcare and education.
“This must change. And it will change,” he said, positioning himself as a servant-leader committed to delivering practical and people-focused governance.
The aspirant outlined his vision of a “prosperous, secure, and empowered Benue for all citizens,” backed by a development roadmap spanning 2027 to 2030. He said security would be prioritised through the creation of a community policing programme, deployment of modern surveillance technologies, and the establishment of conflict resolution platforms to address recurring clashes, particularly between farmers and herders.
On agriculture, Edoh pledged to move the sector “from survival to prosperity” by introducing mechanised farming, agro-processing and storage facilities, and stronger collaboration between farmers and government. He projected that the initiative would significantly boost output, create over 100,000 jobs, and position Benue as a leading agro-industrial hub.
He also highlighted plans to reform education through the integration of digital learning tools, expansion of technical and vocational training, and provision of scholarships, with a target of achieving a literacy rate above 90 per cent. In healthcare, he promised upgrades to primary healthcare centres, improved maternal and child health services, and the introduction of community-based health insurance to expand access, particularly in rural areas.
Edoh further pledged to empower youths through large-scale skills training programmes, entrepreneurship support, and the establishment of innovation hubs, noting that 50,000 young people would be trained annually in digital and vocational skills. He added that his administration would invest in infrastructure, including road rehabilitation, rural electrification, and urban development projects in key cities such as Makurdi and Gboko.
On governance, the aspirant promised transparency and accountability through the digitisation of government services, citizen feedback platforms, and performance-driven leadership. He also outlined environmental initiatives such as tree planting, climate-smart agriculture, and improved water and sanitation systems.
Framing his campaign around the message “Edoh for Progress: Security, Prosperity, and Opportunity for All,” he called on the people of Benue State to embrace a new direction anchored on competence, unity, and inclusive development.
“The time has come to choose progress over politics as usual, competence over connections, and unity over division,” he said, urging citizens across the state to support his bid. He expressed confidence that his manifesto under the ADC would deliver people-oriented governance and reposition Benue for sustainable growth.
The 2027 governorship race in Benue State is expected to intensify in the coming months as more aspirants signal interest ahead of the election cycle.
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